SM Cares, PLDT, and Smart join hands to promote responsible e-waste disposal

To strengthen its efforts in promoting the responsible disposal of electronic waste, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, recently tapped PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), two of the leading telecommunications providers in the country for a strategic partnership that will expand SM's Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program and drive further positive change in electronic waste management in the country. The partnership was launched to the public last April 22, 2024.

SM Supermalls, PLDT and Smart launched the joint initiative last April 22, just in time for SM's Earth Day 2024 celebrations, making the annual observance more meaningful. Shown in the photo are (from L-R) PLDT Home Marketing National Key Accounts Partnership Head Anne Leonardo, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Development John Palanca, PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Wireless Business Alex Caeg, SM Supermalls Senior Vice President and Head for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Sponsorship and Cyberzone Patrick Raymund Pacla.

In a short message, Joaquin L. San Agustin, SVP of SM Supermalls for Marketing, underscored the need for the responsible disposal of electronic waste to help minimize its impact on human health and the environment. He also thanked PLDT and Smart for partnering with SM for the initiative. “Through this partnership, our goal is to promote and expand the reach of the E-Waste Collection Program, leveraging our combined expertise and resources to drive positive change in electronic waste management in the country,” he added.

SM Supermalls' Senior Vice President for Marketing Mr. Joaquin L. San Agustin

“Recognizing the importance of sustainability and responsible consumption, our brands, PLDT Home and Smart, have been actively promoting e-waste collection and recycling as part of their sales, marketing, retail operations, and customer engagement activities. We are thus grateful to have found a like-minded partner in SM, as this joint initiative significantly expands our reach and makes e-waste collection and circularity solutions even more accessible and convenient to our customers and the general public,” said Melissa V. Vergel de Dios, Chief Sustainability Officer at PLDT and Smart.

PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios

To reinforce the initiative’s sustainability messaging, SM, PLDT, and Smart unveiled new designs for the bins that will be used to collect the e-waste, which are made from 8,400 pieces of used beverage cartons. Shown above are the new bin designs, taken during the launch of the partnership. The e-waste bins will be available at SM Malls nationwide, particularly in Cyberzone areas.

Launched in 2021, the Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program encourages tenant and customer participation in the responsible disposal of electronic waste or e-waste which is considered hazardous, while also promoting decluttering in households and bringing to light conscious consumerism.

Made from 8,400 pieces of used beverage cartons, this will be the new designs of the bins to collect the e-waste.

Since 2021, a total of 11,600 kg of e-waste has been collected through the program, diverted from ending up in landfills and causing harm to humans and the environment to the designated facilities where they are disposed of responsibly.

This partnership between SM Supermalls, PLDT and Smart is the latest initiative under SM Supermalls’ solid waste management program, which is also in line with SM Cares' Programs on Environment.

Aside from this, SM Cares spearheads initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community, including programs on Persons with Disabilities, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

Nationwide SM Supermalls job fair offers on-the-spot hiring

Recognizing Filipinos' shared aspiration for meaningful employment, SM Supermalls takes a crucial role in connecting Filipino talent with job opportunities by hosting the biggest mall-based job fair and offering the chance to be Hired-on-the-Spot (HOTS).

In partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), Local Government Units (LGUs), the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Committee, various industry associations, and SM Retail; SM Supermalls – a proud partner of DOLE since 2008 – will host a series of job fairs scheduled from April 26 - May 10, 2024.

Across the Philippines, Filipinos connect with careers at the SM Job Fair.

SM is committed to empowering Filipinos and is hosting weekly job fairs across various SM Malls nationwide, removing geographical barriers to employment. Since January 2024, these weekly job fairs have connected over 800 employers with more than 15,000 job seekers, with a remarkable 15% receiving on-the-spot job offers.

By strategically connecting job seekers with industry leaders in retail, food and beverage, Information Technology (IT), and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), SM's job fairs do more than simply link individuals. These job fairs ensure that companies find the right talent that can contribute to their growth, thereby supporting the expansion of the Philippine economy while creating more job opportunities for more Filipinos.

A glimpse into the SM City Sta. Mesa Job Fair held last April.

Explore exciting career opportunities at SM

SM Retail, SM Store, and SM Supermalls are actively recruiting, alongside renowned brands like Ace Hardware, Baby Company, Crocs, Dyson, Forever 21, Kultura, Miniso, Our Home, SM Appliance Center, SM Fashion, SM Home, Sports Central, Stationery, Surplus, The Body Shop, Toy Kingdom, Pet Express, Snack Exchange, and Uniqlo.

Hired on the spot! A job seeker finds success at the SM City Dasmariñas Job Fair last week.

Interested in retail or grocery roles? SM Markets, including SM Hypermarket, SM Supermarket, Savemore Markets, Alfamart, and Waltermart, offer a variety of job options.

“At SM, we believe job creation is fundamental to national development,” says SM Supermalls' President Steven Tan. “Our SM Job Fairs are a testament to this commitment, providing Filipinos with the platform and resources they need to thrive and contribute to the country's growth.”

SM Supermalls Job Fair details may change without notice. For the latest updates on venues and schedules, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. (SM Supermalls)

SM Prime marks 30th anniversary with record-breaking income, PHP 100 billion investment for 2024

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH), the leading integrated property developer in the Philippines, marks its 30th anniversary as a publicly listed company with the announcement of its highest-ever recorded income and a ₱100 billion investment for its partners, stakeholders, and communities they operate in. With eyes set on the future, SM Prime reaffirms its position as a catalyst for economic development and community advancement.

SM Prime’s (L-R): Assistant Corporate Secretary Arthur Sy, Corporate Secretary Atty. Elmer Serrano, Chief Finance Officer and Chief Compliance Officer John Nai Peng Ong, President Jeffrey Lim, Independent Director Atty.  Darlene Marie Berberabe, Chairman of the Board Henry Sy Jr., Vice Chairman and Lead Independent Director Amando Tetangco Jr., Non-Executive Director Herbert Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and Non-Executive Director Jorge Mendiola

Record-Breaking Performance

During the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on April 23, 2024, SM Prime announced its highest-ever recorded income, reaching PHP40 billion in consolidated net income, marking a 33% increase from 2022. Additionally, the company's revenues surged by 21%, soaring to PHP128.1 billion, a notable growth from the previous year. The consolidated operating income also saw significant growth, rising by 24% to PHP61.3 billion.

From Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Lanson Place, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Turf Residences, SM City Yangzhou in China, SM Mega Tower, SM Mall of Asia Complex, and SM City North EDSA

The outstanding performance can be attributed to SM Prime's mall business, driving 56% of consolidated revenues and a 30% growth to PHP71.9 billion in 2023. This growth was bolstered by a 24% increase in mall rental income, amounting to PHP61.3 billion. Moreover, the opening of four new malls in 2023 expanded SM's retail presence to 85 malls in the Philippines and 8 malls in China.

Meanwhile, SM Prime's residential business group, led by SM Development Corporation (SMDC), recorded an 8% growth in revenues to PHP43.1 billion in 2023. The residential group's gross profit rose by 15% to PHP25.4 billion, with reservation sales standing at PHP102 billion.

In addition to its mall and residential businesses, SM Prime's other key segments, comprising offices, hotels, and convention centers, contributed 10% of consolidated revenues, reported PHP13.1 billion in revenues in 2023, marking a remarkable 26% increase from the previous year.

Commitment to Shared Growth

At the core of SM Prime's success is its unwavering commitment to shared prosperity in every city where they are present. With a strategic ₱100 billion investment capital expenditure in 2024, SM Prime aims to reinvest in its partners, stakeholders, and communities.

4 New SM Malls in 2024: SM City Caloocan, SM City J Mall, SM City Laoag, and SM City La Union

SM Prime aims to continuously expand and develop new places for every Filipino to enjoy. 60% will be dedicated to enhancing its malls, development of new residential properties under SMDC, and construction of new hotels and convention centers. 40% will be directed towards acquiring new properties and coastal developments to pave the way for modern, eco-friendly urbanization.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability and Disaster Resilience

SM Prime has always been committed towards creating a sustainable future. SM Prime continues to work towards its goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040, aligning with the Department of Energy's target of reaching a 35% renewable energy share by 2030.  Through partnerships with renewable energy suppliers and organizations like the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), SM Prime endeavors to reduce its environmental footprint and advocate for sustainable practices in all areas of its operations.

From Left to Right, Top to Bottom: SM Foundation’s Grow Trees Community Program, SM Cares’ Bike-Friendly Program, ARISE Philippines Chairperson Mr. Hans Sy and Members, SM Supermalls x Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill, SM Supermalls’ Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations, and SM Prime’s Solar Rooftop Project

SM Supermalls' SM Cares and SMDC's The Good Guys also remain actively engaged in various community initiatives, such as conducting community disaster preparedness programs, providing support programs for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and promoting job generation and entrepreneurship through nationwide job fairs and MSME programs. Other initiatives include coastal clean-ups, the donation of school buildings and fire trucks, and the organization of eco-camps for youth.

Jeffrey C. Lim, President of SM Prime Holdings shared, “At SM Prime, we're not just building spaces; we're cultivating lifetimes of progress and shared growth. Our commitment lies in empowering Filipinos to thrive within their neighborhoods, whether through convenient shopping experiences at SM Supermalls, quality living in SMDC homes, or fulfilling work environments in our office properties. We believe that individual success fuels community prosperity, creating opportunities, and driving the nation's growth for many years to come.”

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. For more information, visit www.smprime.com. (PR)